Requesting information is not consent
When joining a new scheme, you can generally ask the new administrator for a transfer quotation showing what moves and what you receive. Ask which conditions, response deadline and any partner consent apply. Requesting a quotation is not consent to transfer; there is no universal rule making it automatically final after thirty days.
For new participation following a job change from 1 January 2015, the old six-month application deadline no longer applies. For older cases and special circumstances, check whether administrators are obliged to cooperate. Employer top-up rules and the financial position may matter.
What should you compare?
Compare using the same retirement date and gross or net basis. Consider guaranteed rights versus uncertain estimates, fixed or variable payments, investments, risk, costs, increase conditions and partner and orphan pensions. A higher displayed amount does not establish that all terms are better.
Contributions for future employment are different from the value received for existing pension rights. A high funding ratio or strong past investment performance does not guarantee future outcomes. A pension left behind is not automatically less protected or less well indexed.
Transition to new pension rules
During transition, individual transfers between funds can be temporarily suspended when one has converted accrued rights and the other has not yet done so but intends to. Ask both administrators when your particular transfer can proceed and under which rules. Small pensions and other administrators may follow different procedures.
Also check whether the date of changing jobs or ending participation affects Wtp compensation. Transfer and compensation entitlement are separate questions; requesting a transfer does not guarantee compensation.
Small pensions
For 2026, the government specifies €632.63 gross annually as the small-pension threshold. An administrator may automatically transfer such a pension under the applicable conditions and must notify you. Commutation has separate conditions, including when the pension arose and required consent. A small pension is not freely withdrawable merely because it is below the threshold.
Keep quotations and have uncertainties explained before signing. For a personal recommendation, engage an authorised adviser directly; administrative convenience alone does not demonstrate financial advantage.
What does BPH do?
Bureau Pensioen Hulp has no AFM licence. BPH provides general education and, on request, can introduce you to an external adviser using contact details only. BPH does not provide personal product recommendations, compare products for you or mediate in arranging them. Check an external adviser’s authorisation, services and fees yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Must I always apply within six months of changing jobs?
The old six-month deadline does not apply to new participation following a job change from 1 January 2015. Have older cases checked separately.
Is a higher quotation amount always better?
No. Compare the date, guarantees, risk, increases, costs and partner cover too.
Sources and reference date
Reference date: 28 October 2026. Check your own scheme and current conditions before deciding.